Emmett Appel elected for United States Senate Youth Program

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Emmett Appel

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is pleased to announce that high school student Emmett Cook Appel will join Senator Susan M. Collins and Senator Angus S. King in representing Maine during the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March1-8, 2025. Emmett Appel, of Windsor, was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation that will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and other officials throughout the week. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

The USSYP was founded in 1962 by sons of William Randolph Hearst and the senate leadership of the day in response to the deep disiveness and national anxiety following the McCarthy era. They outlined a plan to encourage America’s most talented young people to consider public service as an important, life-long, and noble pursuit, sponsoring Senate Resolution 324, which passed unanimously. As stated in founding testimony, the program strives “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Eric Handley elected district scouting chairman

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Eric Handley with his Eagle Scout sons Devon, left, and Jared. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting has elected Eric Handley, of Sidney, to serve as District Scouting Chairman and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, was tapped to serve as District Scouting Commissioner. This took place during the annual meeting of the district on Wednesday, January 8, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The Kennebec Valley District delivers the programs of Scouting to communities and youth in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin counties. The district is one of four in Pine Tree Council which covers the southern and western half of Maine. At the end of 2024, Kennebec Valley District had 22 Scout Troops and 12 Cub Scout Packs made up of 194 Scouts and 232 Cub Scouts. Twelve youth in Kennebec Valley earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout award, in 2024 and 564 Merit Badges were earned by the Scouts.

“I’m happy to serve Kennebec Valley Scouting,” Handley said. “My approach will always be to place the Scouts first.” Handley, in his role as District chairman, will preside at district committee meetings and represent the district on the council executive board. He will oversee all subcommittees that help deliver and grow Scouting including membership, program (events/ training/ advancement/ camping), and fund development functions (including popcorn sales and Friends of Scouting). Handley, who is the Point of Sale IT manager for Aubuchon Company, had been serving as the District Commissioner prior to the annual meeting.

He began his Scouting career in 1972 when he joined Cub Scouts, in Gorham, New Hampshire, and followed that as a Scout, in Windsor, Vermont Troop #218. “My son Jared asked to join Cub Scouts as a Tiger the Spring of 2006. I became the Cub Master of Pack #401 in Spring of 2007, in Sidney, and stayed with the Pack until May 2018 when I became Scoutmaster of Troop #401,” Handley said. Handley has also served as a Unit Commissioner, on the Advancement Committee, Roundtable Commissioner, Camp Bomazeen Staff, and on the Kennebec Valley District Band. Handley said that his goals are to increase the visibility of Scouting in the local community and to increase membership by providing excellent programs to the youth in the district.

Santiago, who is the Director of Safety and Security, at Thomas College, in Waterville, said, ” I am truly honored and blessed to be nominated by my peers to this position of leadership within Scouting America. I will continue to develop scouts and their leadership skills, with a focus on living the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and I will work diligently to provide leadership and mentorship to my peers so that they may do the same.” He has been involved in Scouting since his son joined Cub Scouts, in Vassalboro Pack #410, serving as Den Leader and then Cubmaster. This was followed by Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #410 when his son crossed over to the Scouts. He is still serving as Scoutmaster of Troop #410. At the same time, he has also served on and is still currently serving Scouting on the District Committee, as the District Duty to God Coordinator, as a Unit Commissioner and as the District Training co-chairman. The district commissioner leads the commissioner staff of the district, guiding and measuring the district’s unit service program. The Roundtable Commissioner also is part of the District Commissioner’s team. Santiago said his goals as District Commissioner are to provide quality support to Scouters, while ensuring that all units (Packs and Troops) within the district are delivering an excellent scouting program and experience.

The District Committee also selected Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, to serve as District Vice Chairman of Finance and Joseph Poulin, of Oakland, to serve as District vice chairman of Program. The position of District Vice Chair for Membership is currently vacant.

These elections took effect immediately following the close of the annual meeting.

From left to right, Jamie Santiago, Life Scout Arianna Allen, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Eagle Scout Eric Allen, and Christopher Santiago. The Allens are niece and nephew of Jamie and Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Skowhegan man named to ABMA federal legislative committee

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The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Rod Wiles, Vice President of Human Resources at Hammond Lumber Company, as the chairman of the Federal Legislative Committee. With 38 years of experience at Hammond Lumber Company, Wiles brings exceptional industry expertise and a proven track record of leadership to this vital role.

Since stepping into the role, Wiles has swiftly led the adoption of a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 that focuses on critical issues impacting the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. Under his leadership, ABMA has also set the dates for its annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on April 7-8, 2025, ensuring timely and effective representation of the industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.

Wiles has held numerous leadership positions in the LBM industry, including serving on the Board of the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine (RLDAM), chairing its Legislative and Safety Committees, and serving as its President. He has also contributed to the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee as Chairperson, and various other committees.

ABMA 2025 Legislative Agenda

Under Wiles’ leadership, ABMA’s 2025 legislative priorities are focused on strengthening the LBM industry and addressing key challenges:

Legislative Priorities

Main Street Tax Package: Advocating for policies that support businesses in the LBM industry, including provisions such as bonus depreciation, immediate expensing, and estate tax reform.

Credit Card Fees: Addressing the impact of rising transaction costs on businesses.

Workforce Development: Expanding training opportunities to build a skilled workforce.

Regulatory Priorities

CDL Licensing: Supporting industry-specific training to address driver shortages.
Crane Certification: Advocating for certifications tailored to building materials operations.
Salaried Overtime: Promoting manageable overtime regulations for businesses in the LBM industry.

Monitoring Key Issues

OSHA Heat Illness and Injury Prevention: Tracking changes and their impact on operations.

Corporate Transparency Act: Monitoring compliance requirements for businesses in the LBM industry.

Tariffs: Observing developments that may impact material costs.

Said Rod Wiles, “ABMA is a powerful voice for the lumber and building materials industry. By adopting a comprehensive 2025 agenda and securing dates for Advocacy Day, we’re ensuring that our industry’s priorities remain front and center in the federal policy conversation.”

Windsor Fair officers/trustees

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Dan Foster

Windsor Fair officers for 2025 are Daniel Foster, president; William McFarland, first vice president; Rick Cummings, second vice president; Dennis “Frank” Reed, secretary; Jeffrey A. Tracy, treasurer.

Trustees include, Thomas E. Foster, of Augusta, Arthur Strout, Windsor, William McFarland, Augusta, Emery Pierce, Windsor, Alan Turner, Windsor, Dennis “Frank” Reed, Jefferson, Robert S. Brann, Windsor, Daniel R.Foster, Augusta, Gregg J. Baker, Pittston, Carol Davis, New Sharon, James Foster, Augusta, Jeffrey A. Tracy, Winthrop, Dennis Strout, China, Tim Chase, Whitefield, Rick Cummings, Windsor, Darlene Newcomb, Whitefield, Shannon Ayotte, Augusta, Peter Chase, China, Dave Nelson, Windsor, and Sara Perkins, Pittston.

 

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Waterville Creates welcomes new board chairman and new board members

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Amanda Cooley

Waterville Creates announces the addition of two new members to the board of directors and a new board chairman stepping into the role. The organization’s robust programming, increased staffing, and growing presence in the Waterville community presents the need and opportunity for new and increased support from members of the community and Board of Directors to support the mission of Waterville Creates.

Amanda Cooley steps into the role of board chairman. In her role as vice president and marketing and communications officer at Kennebec Savings Bank, Cooley is responsible for overseeing the bank’s marketing, communications, and community giving initiatives. Cooley joined KSB in 2018 as the corporate giving and community relations coordinator. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president and community engagement officer, overseeing the bank’s Community Dividends program and volunteer efforts. Prior to joining Kennebec Savings Bank, Cooley held positions in marketing, event planning, and communications for Colby College and Husson University.

Cooley replaces Jim LaLiberty, of Jabar, LaLiberty, and Dubord LLC, as board chairman. LaLiberty served as chairman for six years for the organization. “On behalf of the board and staff of Waterville Creates, I want to express sincere gratitude to our outgoing board chairman, Jim LaLiberty, who provided steady guidance and leadership for six years as we navigated numerous challenges, including a multi-organization merger, a global pandemic, and the design and move to our new home at the Paul J. Schupf Art Center,” said Shannon Haines, president and CEO of Waterville Creates. “We are thrilled that Amanda Cooley, who joined the board in 2021, will take the reins as board chairman in 2025 as we look forward to the next chapter of Waterville Creates’ development.”

Hannah Bard and Katie Brann are both joining the board of directors this year. Bard is the director at Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education, where she has worked for 13 years in several roles. Bard attended Thomas College, in Waterville, for a BS in elementary education and teaching, and USM for an MS in adult and continuing education administration. She was recently named the 2024 Outstanding Adult Education Administrator by the Maine Adult Education Association.

Brann joined Golden Pond Wealth Management, in Waterville, in April 2019. She graduated from Boston University with a B.A. in political science and minor in business administration. Among her specialties are ESG investing and comprehensive financial planning; she achieved the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation in March 2021. Most recently, she has been named to the Mainebiz Nextup: 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes young business professionals in the state of Maine. She was chairman of KV Connect in 2022 and was named Emerging Leader of the Year by Central Maine Growth Council in 2021.

“We are delighted to welcome Hannah and Katie to the board in 2025,” Haines said. “They are both active and engaged community members who bring with them valuable experience in public education and financial management that will help Waterville Creates to achieve its strategic goals.”

Waterville/Winslow bridge closed until June

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Starting this past Monday, January 6, 2025, through June 20, 2025, the project will be closing the Ticonic bridge to all traffic for construction activities requiring access to the entire bridge. During this time, pedestrians will NOT be allowed to transit the bridge. Both pedestrians and vehicles will be required to follow the posted detour routes. The detour routes can be found in the traffic control drawings on the MaineDOT website (Plans F-H). Message boards will be used to warn drivers of the closure.

On June 20, westbound vehicle traffic will remain prohibited from the bridge for a period of approximately one year. Westbound traffic should continue to follow the detour routes that are posted. Eastbound traffic will be reopened at approximately 5 p.m., on June 20, 2025, and will be allowed access to the bridge during the westbound detour. At that time the bridge will reopen to pedestrian traffic utilizing the new sidewalk on the upstream side of the bridge.

The Maine Department of Transportation will be replacing the Ticonic Bridge (#2854), located on Route 201 over the Kennebec River, at the Waterville-Winslow town line. The Ticonic Bridge will be replaced on alignment, with a new two span, steel girder with concrete bridge deck structure. A single concrete pier will be built in the river to support the new bridge.

This new structure will replace the aging Ticonic Bridge, portions of which are over 100 years old and at the end of their useful life. The new bridge will carry five lanes of traffic similar to the existing bridge, feature widened shoulders for bicyclists, and include sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.

The new Ticonic Bridge will be built one half at a time. During construction limiting the number of lanes on the bridge will be necessary to provide the space needed by the contractor to demolish the existing bridge and to build the new one.

While construction is underway, two lanes of eastbound traffic will be maintained across the bridge with westbound traffic detoured south to the Carter Memorial Bridge. During the first half of construction, pedestrians will be detoured to the nearby Two Cent Bridge pedestrian crossing.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians for up to 25 weeks during construction to support the safe and efficient completion of critical construction activities.

Eugene Field retires as Vassalboro public works director

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Outgoing Vassalboro Public Works director, Eugene Field, left, with his wife Debbie, at his retirement party held on December 13, 2024, at Natanis Golf Course. (contributed photo)

by Mary Grow

Back in the early ’80s, Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., reminisced, when his father, Frederick Denico Sr., was on the Vassalboro select board, he brought home the report that there was “a young kid working for the town” under the federal CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) program.

“That was 44 years and six town managers ago,” Denico observed.

The “kid” was Eugene “Gene” Field, and Denico was master of ceremonies at his Dec. 13 retirement party, attended by more than 75 people.

During his 44 years, Field rose to become Vassalboro’s public works director. “We were very lucky to have him for all those years,” Denico said, praising Field for his many skills – preparing and explaining budgets, managing a crew, keeping up with equipment needs, running the equipment himself.

Mary Sabins, the former town manager under whom Field worked longest, called him her “go-to guy for road issues” and praised his willingness to lend his expertise and his crew for other town needs as well.

Denico read a message from current town manager Aaron Miller, recovering from bronchitis, regretting that he had not had more time to learn from Field.

Former budget committee and select board member Lauchlin Titus remembered that Field always presented an annual budget request with “good numbers and reasons.” On the select board, Titus said, he found Field’s reports to board meetings one of the best sources of information about what was going on in town.

State Senator Richard Bradstreet read a letter commending Field for his dedicated service and commitment, with a lasting impact on the town.

Peter Coughlan and Tammy Sobiecki represented the Community Services Division of the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). One of its responsibilities is providing training for municipal road crews; they commended Field for his consistent willingness to learn and to send department members to learn. Vassalboro is consistently represented at training sessions, they said.

Sobiecki had a two-page list of classes Field had attended since 1990, and shared some of the titles with her audience. She gave Field a plaque recognizing his excellence in public works.

Coughlan, on behalf of the Maine Chapter of the American Public Works Association, said that group gave Field its 2018 Maine Public Works Leader of the Year award. He read a letter from the organization praising Field’s contributions to Vassalboro and gave Field a copy of the letter and a photo of the earlier award presentation.

After the speeches, public works department members unveiled the highlight of the evening: the new sign to go on Vassalboro’s public works garage, designating the Eugene D. Field Public Works Complex.

Field replied briefly, saying he had enjoyed his 44 years and was looking forward to time off. The audience responded with standing applause.

Town office staff organized the retirement party, held at the Natanis Golf Course clubhouse. It included a generous buffet meal; Field and his wife Debbie headed the line. Tables were decorated with small plastic dump trucks and other road-work vehicles, and with orange traffic cones labeled “No Work Zone Retired 2024.”

EVENTS: January history talk at Waterville Historical Society on Fort Halifax

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Fort Halifax, in Winslow.

Friends of Fort Halifax President, Ray Caron, is back by popular demand for the Saturday, January 11, history talk. When one thinks of Winslow and its defining history, few would not mention Fort Halifax. But what do we know about its history? The blockhouse is the oldest in the United States and the site is a National Historic Landmark. Ray is going to get into the details and tell us much more we may not know about this iconic structure and the larger fort which once existed. Passionate about area history, Ray will also cover topics about the lands at the confluence of the Sebasticook and Kennebec rivers, the Native Americans, early settlers, Benedict Arnold, and more.

Joining Ray, to add additional perspectives to his presentation, will be Peter Tompkins who has an extensive postcard and memorabilia collection about Fort Halifax; Mickey Pouliot, a Winslow contractor, who has worked on most structures at the park and has helped with the challenges of rebuilding the blockhouse; Fort Halifax Chapter, DAR members will speak about their previous ownership of the blockhouse for many decades; and Mike Heavener, former town manager, of Winslow, who was responsible for the successful grant award to transform the park to what it is today.

Share this announcement; bring a friend! The door opens at 2 p.m., for light refreshments, viewing of postcards and memorabilia, and socializing. Our presentation begins at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free. Snow date is January 18, same time and place, Marriner Hall at Redington Museum, 62 Silver Street, Waterville. For more information, please call 207-872-9439.

PHOTO: I see you!

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Sarah Sanchez, of Washington, photographed this red fox well camouflaged in the woods.

Legion Christmas stockings drive

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Contributed photos

The American Legion Post #126, in Vassalboro, thanks all the individuals and groups who donated items and volunteered to fill the stockings. Through their generosity 250 Christmas stockings and 20 Hanukkah dreidels were filled on December 9, 2024, and delivered December 12.